Self-centering Adapter Clamp with Resilient Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accurately and quickly centering tubes or rods are time-consuming and prone to misalignment due to threading requirements and manufacturing tolerances, leading to inaccuracy in applications like telescope focuser systems.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering adapter clamp with resilient rings and a hollow adjustment ring that compresses to securely and accurately attach to adapting tubes, using elastic materials to expand inward and maintain precise centering without additional threading, suitable for various applications including telescopes and gun-sights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threading is used to secure the adapter to the adapting tube, then the connection strength is improved, but the loading and unloading process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threading mechanism with a resilient ring-based clamping system. The resilient ring, when compressed by the adjustment ring, exerts radial inward force to clamp the adapter to the adapting tube, eliminating the need for threading operations while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from threaded mechanical engagement to elastic deformation of the resilient ring. By controlling the compression parameter of the resilient ring through the adjustment ring, the system achieves secure clamping without threading, enabling quick release and reattachment.
2Strength
If conventional set screws or compression rings are used to clamp the adapting tube, then the attachment is secured, but the adapting tube becomes misaligned from the center axis
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient ring is positioned asymmetrically within the adapter tube, with its natural uncompressed state creating a gap between the ring and the adapting tube. When compressed uniformly by the adjustment ring, the resilient ring expands radially to contact the adapting tube at multiple points, automatically centering it due to the symmetric expansion from an asymmetric starting position.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient ring automatically centers the adapting tube through its elastic deformation characteristics. As the adjustment ring compresses the resilient ring, the ring expands radially inward to contact the adapting tube, and the distributing contact points self-align the adapting tube to the center axis without requiring additional centering mechanisms.
3Strength
If multiple clamping points are used to secure the adapting tube, then the attachment strength is improved, but the adapting tube pivots and becomes misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the clamping action from rigid mechanical contact at discrete points to distributed elastic contact through the resilient ring. The resilient ring, when compressed, distributes the clamping force uniformly around the adapting tube, preventing pivot motion while maintaining attachment strength.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adapter clamp provides quick, secure, and accurate auto-centering, accommodating manufacturing tolerances and surface imperfections, ensuring precise alignment of optical components in telescopes and other precision applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient ring placed in the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube and comprising of elastic material for expanding inward and clamping to the outer surface of the adapting tube
Implementation Method 2
a compression ring for translating the displacement force from the hollow adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first resilient ring
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter clamp for clamping an adapting tube. The adapter clamp includes: an adapter tube; a first resilient ring placed in the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube and including elastic material for expanding inward and clamping to the outer surface of the adapting tube; a hollow adjustment ring configured to be threaded to the inner surface of the adapter tube to generate a displacement force; and a compression ring providing minimum friction resistant for translating the displacement force from the threading hollow adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first resilient ring, causing an inner surface of the first resilient rings to fit to the outer surface of the adapting tube. The adapter clamp also includes a second resilient ring placed in the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube; and a spacer placed on the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube.